About Us

The Challenges

When asked, 90% of older adults say that they want to die in their own homes, surrounded by their loved ones. Unfortunately, this has not been possible for most. They spend their last days in hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions.

No one should die alone.

Family members and friends can become overwhelmed by providing and arranging care for their loved ones, and become unable to spend the time and energy needed to support the dying person or each other.

Our Solution

Caring House will provide a home completely focused on end-of-life needs of those who are dying and support for their families and loved ones.

Compared with the person's home, Caring House will be the next best place or, in some cases, a better place.

Caring House is patterned after wonderful and successful care facilities in Syracuse (see www.francishouseny.org) and elsewhere. Caring House will be the first of its kind in Southern California.

The Home

We plan for six attractive and comfortable private rooms for residents – with open common areas for families and loved ones. Caring House will be located in the South Bay portion of Los Angeles County. Caring House will be open to terminally ill adults without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age or gender.

Staff and Volunteers

Our attentive and professional staff will include a fulltime resident care coordinator/administrator; trained caregivers (24 hours each day); and a volunteer coordinator/development officer.

Caring community volunteers will provide ongoing help with activities, in the kitchen, with maintenance, and perhaps most importantly with listening, companionship and support for residents and their loved ones.

Staff and volunteers will free loved ones from the constant demands of caregiving.

Financial Matters

Being fiscally responsible is important to keeping Caring House going. We will set a standard daily charge based on operating expenses. Revenues will come from resident fees and donations.

We do not want to exclude people in need who cannot afford to pay the standard charge. Our ability to admit and retain those who cannot afford to pay the full charge will depend very much on donations and the generosity of the community.

Caring House services will not be covered by Medicare or Medi-Cal, but may be reimbursable under some residents’ long-term care insurance policies.

Legal Matters

Caring House, Incorporated is organized as a non-profit public benefit corporation under California law. It operates under the direction of an independent board of directors.

Caring House will be licensed with the California Department of Social Services as a residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE).

Donations

This is a grassroots project. It will take many of us, together, to make Caring House happen. As of July 1, 2011, we've raised 43.5% of our $1 million target -- see this site's News section for updates.

Donations are needed to cover acquisition, renovation and equipment costs, and to start Caring House on a strong financial base.

Donations – from a dollar to ten thousand or more, and from individuals, couples and families, businesses, foundations and others – are all welcome.

Donations can be made at Network For Good.

Caring House is an IRC §501(c)(3) charity, and donations are deductible as charitable contributions. Caring House’s tax identification number is 20-2201206.

Project Timeline

Much has been done. We plan for Caring House to open its doors in 2012.

Core Group

Jimi Andersen, Claire Coignard, Judith Diamond, John Eberhard, Jane Flynn, Dana Hodgdon, Bill Larson, Ed Long, Pat Long, Kathleen Phillips and Barbara Tetu – all volunteers – are giving their time, energy and dollars to help develop Caring House and open its doors.

Supporters

Community members and organizations are working to make Caring House a reality, including local senior organizations, churches, hospice agencies and assisted living facilities. To date, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation, the Scriba Family, Jimi Andersen and others have pledged substantial financial support.

Outside Services

We believe strongly in the importance of hospice support at the end of life. Each resident will select an outside Medicare-certified hospice service agency before admission to Caring House. More than a dozen licensed hospice agencies serve the South Bay.

Hospice agencies provide vital support to terminally ill patients and their loved ones. Their specially trained teams offer medical care, pain and symptom management, as well as spiritual support, counseling and education.

Hospice agencies work with a patient a few hours a day, visiting the patient in the hospital, at home or in a skilled nursing or assisted living facility. Caring House will be the place where the patient lives, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hospice services are part of the “how” – Caring House will be the “where” and much more.